A guitar fundamentals course that places emphasis on reading standard notation in the first position. Techniques such as rest stroke, free stroke, and correct left hand position are covered. Fundamental exercises and pieces will be played by the student in class as the instructor provides accompaniment. Includes an overview of the literature and the major performers of the classical guitar. No public performances are required.

Prerequisite: None

Co-requisite: None

Advisory: This course is included in the Guitar Class Applied Performance family of activity courses.

If the student chooses not to do a presentation, they must submit an eight page research paper with notes and bibliography. Subjects include anything related to the classical guitar from the players and composers to the physics of tone production. A one to two page concert review is a required writing assignment. Details on the performer(s), repertory, and location are essential; however, more value is placed on the student's critical narrative of the event. The review should deal with aspects of the concert that are considered most important or striking. Be sure--always--to concentrate on musical matters, although brief discussions of other aspects of the concert may be included. In the process, talk about the works performed, how they were presented, how well the performers presented the music, and what made the performances effective or ineffective. Compose your review on scrap paper. Feel free to take notes during the performance. The final version should be done on a computer or typewriter. When writing about events that occurred at the concert, use the past tense. (Example: "Although the guitarist was quite good, I thought that she was far too loud to blend well with the flute player") But when writing about a particular musical composition or work of art, use the present tense. (Example: "In Villa Lobos Choro no. 1 , the third section in E Major seems to serve as a triumphal conclusion to the struggle of the preceding three sections in E Minor.") Finally, Be Objective! Comparisons of pieces and performers should be avoided unless it is to make an argument regarding Music History or Analysis. Reviews are most effective when they are honest and show that you seriously engaged the music and performance.

13. Need/Justification -

This course is a restricted support course for the AA degree in Music: General and is transferable to CSU and UC systems.